Module Overview
Sustainable Bioenergy Training Program for Extension Educators
April 9 – 12, 2012
BIOEN 1: Introduction to Bioenergy
Presentation, Discussion and Interactive Exercise
Don Day (Missouri Extension Energy Educator) & Jill Euken (Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute)
Presenters will give an overview of key concepts in bioenergy. Don Day will highlight key concepts
from the curriculum. Jill Euken (Iowa Bioeconomy Institute) will introduce a new multi-state
integrated project (CenUSA), which is focused on sustainable perennial grass production and
pyrolysis process technologies. CenUSA will continue efforts to provide training and resources to
Extension educators. During this session, participants will discuss several key concepts: the definition
of sustainability; understanding marginal lands as they relate to bioenergy crop production; and what
is needed to assure that bioenergy crop production is sustainable. Small group discussions will
address challenges to implementing a bioenergy program and issues that have arisen in communities
regarding bioenergy development.
BIOEN 2: Crop Production & Harvesting
Presentation and Interactive Exercise
Dennis Pennington (Michigan Bioenergy Educator), Cole Gustafson (North Dakota Bioenergy
Economist), John Hay (Nebraska Bioenergy Educator)
Participants will learn about economics of producing bioenergy feedstocks, policy implications and
competitive uses of biomass. Handling and logistics of developing a supply chain will also be
addressed. Small group discussions (by state) will work on determining feedstock supply for a
hypothetical biofuel production facility.
BIOEN 3: Water Resources: Issues & Opportunities
Presentation and Interactive Exercise
Tom Franti (Nebraska Water Resources Specialist), Rick Cruse (Agronomy Professor, Iowa State
University), and Steve Murphy (POET plant, Laddonia, MO)
An estimated 38.5% of corn harvested in the U.S. in 2011 was used as grain for ethanol production.
One of the key concerns associated with crop production for bioenergy development – in particular
corn for grain or stover - is the effects of increased or intensified land use on water resources and
water quantity. Speakers for this module will address current and future (anticipated) water quality
and quantity issues associated with growing bioenergy crops (erosion, pesticide use, carbon capture,
rural development) and will look at scenario development for sustainable bioenergy crop production.
Steve Murphy (from POET) will discuss current water issues in ethanol processing facilities, including
state of the art water reuse - including new technologies, future directions, and anticipated water use
for processing cellulosic feed stocks. Small group discussions will address water use for growing
crops and operating a hypothetical biofuel production facility.
BIOEN 4: Community Economic Development
Presentation, Discussion & Interactive Exercise
Dan Downing (Missouri Community Development Educator, Johanna Reed-Adams (Missouri
Community Leadership Development State Specialist), Tom Johnson (Missouri Community Public
Analysis Center)
Johanna Reed-Adams, Ph.D., Community Leadership Development State Specialist, Mo. will introduce
and discuss fundamental concepts of community development including identification of community
opinion leaders, identification of decision makers, and other community social science dimensions.
Tom Johnson, Director Community Public Analysis Center (CPAC) will discuss economic and policy
issues in renewable energy, and will introduce the Biopower tool kit, a web based calculator that
helps potential investors determine the feasibility of various types of biopower production facilities in
any location in the country. Additionally, Dr. Johnson will discuss two other aspects of this industry—
how quickly this sector will grow and what farmers need to increase their supply of biomass. Dan
Downing will discuss the connections between these two presentations and the curriculum on
community development and bioenergy development. Small group discussion activities will address
how these concepts can be applied to the hypothetical biofuel facility.